Posts by Ben Kessler
9 posts found
Newsletter article Ben Kessler March 2, 2019
A message from WV Citizens for Clean Elections
On Thursday, the Senate passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. This bill now heads to the House of Delegates. More
Issues: Clean elections
A message from WV Citizens for Clean Elections
On Thursday, the Senate passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. This bill now heads to the House of Delegates. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Ben Kessler March 2, 2019
Senator Beach moves in for the kill
On Tuesday, a bill that would have allowed off-road vehicle use (4x4s) in our state parks and forests, was gutted. Senate Bill 676 would have directed the Division of Natural Resources to develop a comprehensive plan for public roads suitable for off-road recreation as well as creating a fund for off-road vehicle recreation. More
Issues: State parks
Senator Beach moves in for the kill
On Tuesday, a bill that would have allowed off-road vehicle use (4x4s) in our state parks and forests, was gutted. Senate Bill 676 would have directed the Division of Natural Resources to develop a comprehensive plan for public roads suitable for off-road recreation as well as creating a fund for off-road vehicle recreation. More
Issues: State parks
Newsletter article Ben Kessler February 22, 2019
Bills on our watch
SB 404: Relating generally to sediment control during commercial timber harvesting operations, SB 415 Creating Timber Cotenancy Modernization and Majority Protection Act and Unknown and Unlocatable Timber Interest Owners Act More
Issues: Legislation, Logging
Bills on our watch
SB 404: Relating generally to sediment control during commercial timber harvesting operations, SB 415 Creating Timber Cotenancy Modernization and Majority Protection Act and Unknown and Unlocatable Timber Interest Owners Act More
Issues: Legislation, Logging
Newsletter article Ben Kessler February 22, 2019
A Victory for Public Lands- and Something to Worry About.
Senate Democrats fought twice in as many days to protect public lands in West Virginia. After public outcry killed a bill last year that would have allowed logging in state parks, we were wondering when we’d see bills this session that would be introduced that might have the same effects–or worse. More
Issues: Legislation, Logging
A Victory for Public Lands- and Something to Worry About.
Senate Democrats fought twice in as many days to protect public lands in West Virginia. After public outcry killed a bill last year that would have allowed logging in state parks, we were wondering when we’d see bills this session that would be introduced that might have the same effects–or worse. More
Issues: Legislation, Logging
Newsletter article Ben Kessler February 15, 2019
V for Victory
Solid Waste Authorities are struggling to meet recycling and litter control needs. The West Virginia DEP is struggling to close landfills in a timely manner that protects the environment. To fund these programs, waste is charged $3.50 per ton when it is “tipped” into a landfill. More
Issues: Recycling
V for Victory
Solid Waste Authorities are struggling to meet recycling and litter control needs. The West Virginia DEP is struggling to close landfills in a timely manner that protects the environment. To fund these programs, waste is charged $3.50 per ton when it is “tipped” into a landfill. More
Issues: Recycling
Newsletter article Ben Kessler February 9, 2019
E-Day!
What a beautiful day for some civic action! Thursday, was our 30th annual E-Day at the Capital. Amongst citizens who came to advocate for clean air, clean energy, and clean water; there were multiple organizations that showed up in force! Organizations present were not limited to: WV Highlands Conservancy, WV Rivers, Kanawha Forest Coalition, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Citizens Climate Lobby, Energy Efficient WV, Friends of Blackwater, WV Chapter Sierra Club, WV Citizen Action Group, and the E-Council. More
Issues: Eday, Event
E-Day!
What a beautiful day for some civic action! Thursday, was our 30th annual E-Day at the Capital. Amongst citizens who came to advocate for clean air, clean energy, and clean water; there were multiple organizations that showed up in force! Organizations present were not limited to: WV Highlands Conservancy, WV Rivers, Kanawha Forest Coalition, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Citizens Climate Lobby, Energy Efficient WV, Friends of Blackwater, WV Chapter Sierra Club, WV Citizen Action Group, and the E-Council. More
Issues: Eday, Event
Newsletter article Ben Kessler February 1, 2019
Pick Up the Phone for PPAs
As I previously wrote to you last week, Senate Bill 409, which legalizes Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for on-site renewable and alternative energy generation will hopefully be on the Senate EIM agenda this upcoming week. More
Issues: Energy efficiency, Renewable energy
Pick Up the Phone for PPAs
As I previously wrote to you last week, Senate Bill 409, which legalizes Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for on-site renewable and alternative energy generation will hopefully be on the Senate EIM agenda this upcoming week. More
Issues: Energy efficiency, Renewable energy
Newsletter article Ben Kessler January 25, 2019
Solar Legislative Update
As some of you are aware, the West Virginia Environmental Council has been collaborating with West Virginians for Energy Freedom to enact legislation that would allow renewable energy to be widely available. More
Issues: Renewable energy
Solar Legislative Update
As some of you are aware, the West Virginia Environmental Council has been collaborating with West Virginians for Energy Freedom to enact legislation that would allow renewable energy to be widely available. More
Issues: Renewable energy
Newsletter article Ben Kessler January 18, 2019
Legislative action needed to prevent future environmental crisis
Oil and gas wells that have not been plugged at the end of their productive lives can become a nuisance to property owners. Unplugged wells can leak oil, gas, and brine onto a property, and can be a conduit for bacteria and septic runoff to enter your groundwater. More
Issues: DEP, Oil and gas
Legislative action needed to prevent future environmental crisis
Oil and gas wells that have not been plugged at the end of their productive lives can become a nuisance to property owners. Unplugged wells can leak oil, gas, and brine onto a property, and can be a conduit for bacteria and septic runoff to enter your groundwater. More
Issues: DEP, Oil and gas